Victoria

Melbourne is Australia's second largest city (3.4M to Sydney's 4M and ahead of Brisbane/Gold Coast’s 1.9M). It is the third most preferred tourist destination with 19% of visitor nights

It shares with Sydney a broad racial mix (23% born in non-English speaking countries, to Sydney’s 22%) and its accompanying wealth of ethnic cafes. However, Melbourne is comparatively easy to get around in (by car) and so the Vietnamese, Chinese, Greek and other ethnic restaurants are an important part of the Melbourne dining scene.

Winter temperatures and spring rains temporarily clear the footpaths of the diners who normally inhabit this great outdoor cafe space.

Australia’s most relaxed liquor laws have encouraged a bar culture which operates until dawn in the back lanes of the CBD and inner suburbs.

*Smoking in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, is banned in Victoria with the exception of bars.